Boondocking Laws and Regulations
Camping on public lands requires you to understand state laws on camping, boondocking, and overnight parking. These articles were carefully researched through state codes and administrative rules, including popular practices. But you also need to know how to look up these laws and regulations to stay up to date on recent changes.
Is It Illegal to Start a Campfire?
No, it is not generally illegal to start a campfire on most federally managed lands. However, there are many restrictions and guidelines. Each of the six agencies that manage federal lands have rules in place on starting...
Is Dispersed Camping Legal in National Parks?
Yes, generally speaking, dispersed camping is legal in national parks, but it depends on which park. Many national parks allow "backcountry camping" which is primarily tent camping, but only in specific areas of the park...
Is Boondockers Welcome Illegal?
It depends. Boondockers Welcome might be illegal depending on the location being offered for parking, and depending on local ordinances. Many cities and counties have have laws on the books that would make it illegal for people to...
Can I Park on the Street Overnight?
Yes, for the most part, you can park on the street overnight. As long as there are no signs posted against parking, you are permitted to park a vehicle overnight. Sleeping inside that vehicle is a different matter, however.
Is Boondocking Legal in California?
Yes, Boondocking is legal in California. It just depends on where. It's totally legal on federal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Reclamation. However, some of these agencies may...
Is Boondocking Allowed in Yellowstone?
Yes, boondocking is allowed in Yellowstone National Park. However, boondocking is limited to just tent camping only, and only in specific areas of the park. Yellowstone also requires campers to obtain permits. These boondocking...
Can I Dump Grey Water Anywhere?
The short answer is, "No" you cannot dump grey water anywhere. However, there are places where it is legal to dump grey water the ground, at least by Federal laws and regulations. However...
Is Nude Camping Legal on Federal Lands?
From a technical standpoint, yes, nude camping is legal on federal lands. But it also depends on the agency because each handles nudity and disorderly conduct differently. It also depends on the State only because most agencies...
Can You Live on BLM Land?
No, you cannot live on BLM land. At least, not at the same campsite. However, you can keep moving from one location to another and remain on BLM land in general for an indefinite period. It just involves being mobile and...
How Many Days Can You Camp on BLM Land?
How many days you can camp on BLM land depends on each BLM State Office and each BLM Field Office. Each of these offices are free to establish their own camping limits. Despite this, most offices adopt the "14-Day Rule"...
